how to clean uggs

Here’s a safe, step‑by‑step guide on how to clean UGGs at home while keeping the sheepskin and suede happy and fluffy.

Quick Scoop

• Never machine‑wash or tumble‑dry UGG boots.

• Use cold water, gentle cleaner, and slow air‑drying away from heat or sun.

• Clean the whole boot evenly (not spot‑only) to avoid tide marks and stains.

• Stuff them while drying so they don’t warp or collapse.

• Protect with a water‑ and stain‑repellent once they’re fully dry.

Before You Start

Keep the vibe: UGGs are natural sheepskin and suede, so they react badly to harsh treatment. What you’ll need (basic home setup):

• Soft brush (suede brush or clean soft toothbrush).

• Clean sponge or soft cloth.

• Bowl of cold water.

• Mild liquid soap (like gentle wool wash or baby shampoo) or a sheepskin/suede cleaner.

• White paper towels/tea towels or clean paper to stuff inside.

If you have the official UGG cleaner and protector kit, even better—just follow their instructions closely.

Step‑by‑Step: General Cleaning

1. Dry prep

1. Brush off loose dirt. Use a dry suede brush or soft brush to gently go over the whole boot in one direction.

2. Remove surface marks. A suede eraser or rubber can help lift light scuffs before any water touches the boots.

Think of this as dusting before you mop – it keeps mud from smearing in deeper.

2. Lightly wet the boots

1. Dampen, don’t soak. Use cold water and lightly wet the entire outer surface so it’s uniformly damp, not dripping.

2. Avoid hot water. Heat can shrink and stiffen sheepskin.

Even wetting prevents ring‑shaped water stains and patchy color.

3. Mix a gentle cleaning solution

• Add a small amount of mild soap or official sheepskin cleaner to cold water.

• You want barely‑sudsy water, not a foam party.

If you’re using the UGG Sheepskin Cleaner & Conditioner, apply a small amount to a clean wet sponge as they recommend.

4. Clean the boots evenly

1. Dip a sponge or cloth in the solution, squeeze out excess.

2. Gently wipe or lightly scrub the entire surface, working in small circles with minimal pressure.

3. Focus on stained or dirty areas, but always blend out over the whole boot to keep the color even.

Sheepskin and suede have a delicate, fibrous surface, so scrubbing too hard can roughen or bald the nap.

5. Rinse carefully

• Wipe with a separate clean sponge dipped in plain cold water to remove soap residue.

• Again, keep the boots uniformly damp rather than soaking them under a tap.

Left‑over soap can cause stiff patches and attract more dirt later.

Drying Them the Right Way

This is where many UGGs get ruined, so take it slow.

1. Gently press (don’t wring or twist) with a towel to remove extra water.

2. Stuff the boots with rolled‑up paper towels, tea towels, or shoe trees to keep their shape.

3. Stand them upright in a cool, well‑ventilated room away from radiators, fireplaces, or direct sun.

4. Let them air‑dry naturally for at least 24–48 hours; thicker classic styles may need longer.

Do not use a hairdryer, heater, or put them in a dryer—rapid heat can warp the soles, shrink the sheepskin, and turn them stiff.

Once fully dry, the suede may look a bit flat or crunchy. Lightly brush it with a suede brush in one direction to fluff the nap back up.

Stains: Water, Salt, and Grease

Water and salt marks

• Re‑dampen the whole boot lightly and clean evenly as above; this helps blend out tide lines.

• For salt stains (common in winter), gentle repeated wipes with clean cold water plus a mild cleaner often lift the white marks.

Grease or oil

• Blot immediately with a dry cloth—don’t rub.

• Sprinkle cornstarch or chalk on the area and let it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb the grease.

• Brush off gently with a suede brush, then follow the standard cleaning routine if needed.

Tough, set‑in stains

If the boots are badly stained or have been through a puddle or mud bath, some people report success with deeper cleaning kits or even professional services that specialize in UGG or suede restoration.

Odor and Inside Lining

The fluffy lining can trap sweat and smells over time.

• Let boots air out between wears, ideally with shoe trees or stuffed paper to help moisture escape.

• Lightly sprinkle baking soda inside overnight, then shake or vacuum it out the next day to help with odor. (Avoid getting baking soda on the suede exterior.)

• For heavy odor or matted lining, a dedicated sheepskin cleaner and very gentle hand‑wash of the interior (similar to the outer method) can help, but test a small section first.

Protecting UGGs After Cleaning

Once completely dry and brushed:

1. Use a water‑ and stain‑repellent spray made for suede/sheepskin (UGG sells its own).

2. Spray in a well‑ventilated area, holding the bottle about 6 inches away, so the surface is evenly damp but not soaked.

3. Let dry naturally for 24 hours.

4. Brush again with a suede brush to restore the soft finish.

Regularly treating new or freshly cleaned UGGs makes future stains much easier to deal with and is a common tip in recent care guides and videos.

Quick FAQ (Based on Current Forum & Video Advice)

“Can I put my UGGs in the washing machine?”

• Strongly discouraged by both official care instructions and most cleaning pros, because machine‑washing can shrink, twist, and discolor sheepskin.

“Is it okay to clean suede UGGs with dish soap?”

• A tiny amount of mild, non‑harsh soap is sometimes used, but wool/suede‑specific or official cleaners are much safer for color and texture.

“My child fell in a puddle in their UGGs—are they done?”

• Not always. People have revived soaked suede UGGs by slow air‑drying with stuffing, then carefully cleaning and brushing, though severe water damage doesn’t always fully disappear.

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Learn how to clean UGGs at home the right way: gentle washing, stain removal, drying tips, and how to protect suede and sheepskin so your boots stay soft and cozy longer.

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